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MotoGP: Zarco finally confirmed at Monster Tech 3 Yamaha

Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco has finally been confirmed as joining the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team for the 2017 MotoGP season, ending weeks of speculation.

It’s been widely acknowledged that the Frenchman would join the French team for next season, but the team have delayed until today to finally confirm the news.

Speaking as the news was announced ahead of the press conference at Sachsenring, the reigning champion says he’s delighted to be joining such a well-established squad.

"It goes without saying that I am very happy to join the MotoGP class with Tech3 and I am confident that we can form a solid partnership. The team has a deep relationship and long history with Yamaha and they have proved that they can manage well in every situation and have had a good package year after year.

“This pleases me and it gives me extra motivation for reaching my targets in the 2017 season. Of course, it seems like a logical step for a French team and a French champion to work together, and now finally the deal is done which is certainly positive news.

“I really will do my best and prepare myself for the maximum because I think it’s more than possible to get some top results in MotoGP after my long experience in the intermediate class."

A target of team boss Herve Poncharal for many years, he admitted that he’s equally delighted to have a countryman back on his bike again too.

"After the long wait, I am delighted to announce that Johann Zarco will join the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for next year. We haven’t had the chance to work with a French rider in our MotoGP team since Sylvain Guintoli in 2007 but I am certain that Johann will do a great job.

“We have been following him closely since he won the rookies cup and he has gone on to have further success in the 125cc class and Moto2. Last season was incredible for him and he won the championship in a masterful way.”